EVERETT – The quotation, “Luck is what happens when opportunity meets preparation” is widely attributed to Roman philosopher, Seneca.
Everett business leaders are pursuing that nexus with a new “Downtown Vision and Action Plan” set to launch soon utilizing public input to capitalize on big issues and big opportunities emerging in Everett.
“Our downtown is at a pivotal moment,” Scott Hulme, Business Development Manager for the Downtown Everett Association says, listing the Sound Transit light rail extension into the city, a planned $120 million Everett Outdoor Events Center for sports and concerts, as well as destination options at the Everett waterfront.
“Because of all the new development that’s coming down the pipeline”, Hulme tells EverettPost.com, there’s “an incredible opportunity to shape a vibrant, resilient center that serves everyone in our community,”
The goal, Hulme says, is to turn big ideas into actionable steps, from improving public spaces and strengthening economic vitality to creating stronger connections throughout Downtown.
“If you walk downtown its very clean, it’s very safe. The DEA has had the opportunity to change that perception that this Everett today is not the Everett it was several years ago,” Hulme explains, after COVID restrictions exacerbated homelessness and drug addiction problems.
The vision and action plan will provide a shared roadmap for future investment, policy, development, and public space improvements, the DEA says. The plan is intended to be a resource for the public, City of Everett, local agencies, community organizations, businesses, and other partners working to shape the future of downtown.
“Our mission statement is to advance a vibrant and thriving downtown…through promotion and public engagement, as well as education opportunities for small business owners.” Combining the input from business owners, their customers—the shoppers and patrons around downtown Everett—is central to this vision plan, Hulme tells the EverettPost.com.
The plan will establish a long-term vision for downtown while identifying practical, near-term actions that can create meaningful improvements. It will focus on urban design, public spaces, economic vitality, community connections, and other opportunities that will help downtown grow as a vibrant and welcoming center for the community.
It’s intended to capture a ground level perspective on what’s working well in downtown Everett and what can be improved as the city takes shape around a new sports stadium, light rail and other economic investment. Preparation meeting opportunity to build a more dynamic Everett experience for the North Sound.
DEA says everybody in the community–shoppers, business owners, residents, workers and visitors–can get involved now. DEA and the design firm Perkins Eastman are beginning a Public Life Study to better understand how people use and experience downtown’s streets, sidewalks, public spaces, and gathering places. Community members interested in participating in the study can learn more and sign up at
DEA and the design firm, Perkins Eastman, will host the first public visioning workshop on those results on November 12.
“This is a plan for the people and a plan for our downtown and the only way we can have it be successful is if we hear from them,” Hulme tells the EverettPost.com. The public input portion of the vision and action plan will continue through February with a final report expected in mid-2027.
To lead this effort, DEA has selected nationally recognized architecture, planning, and urban design firm Perkins Eastman. The consultant team will be led by Susan McLaughlin, Principal-in-Charge of Perkins Eastman’s Seattle office. The team brings extensive experience in urban design, public life, community engagement, and economic development.
The Downtown Everett Association is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization. EverettPost.com, under its ownership, is a financial supporter of the Downtown Everett Association.